Candidate asked to repeal tax on personal habits

Brett Carter, a candidate for the Democratic nomination to run for Congress and succeed Bart Gordon, campaigns at the Brekfus Shop where Marshall County elders solve world problems.

One of the two war veterans campaigning for a nomination to run for the 6th Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives on Monday explained his religious background, view of the wars and why he deserves votes.

And then there was an earnest request from Harold Bradford, also known as "Cowboy," a Cornersville High School alumni - a regular at the Brekfus Shop and the Delina store where Marshall County elders solve world problems together over a meal.

"Take the tax off chewing tobacco," Bradford said.

It was the topic repeated several times that morning, although Brett Carter of Gallatin explained: He has a Christian upbringing and sincere faith; "At some time we're going to have to reduce our presence over there (in Iraq) but we'll have to keep some troops there (like) we did in Germany; And small communities' access to broadband service for high speed Internet might require "incentives."

Carter faces Ben Leming in the Democratic primary on Thursday next week, Aug. 5. Early voting continues until noon Saturday at the election office on College Street.

Leming is a captain in the Marine Corps Reserves, a veteran of the Iraq War and a graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Carter was awarded the Bronze Star for his work in Iraq dealing with operations law such as rules of engagement and detainee operations subsequent to Abu Ghraib prisoner abuse revealed about six years ago. Carter is an attorney with Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, Nashville.

"The law practice I've been in for 12 years works with businesses," Carter said, emphasizing that he's "focusing on jobs... to get people back to work."

Carter, 38, has "been in Tennessee working with Tennessee issues," he said when asked about whether he's a resident of the 6th District. His driver's license shows his address as Neely Bend Road, Madison, but he's moving back to Gallatin from a house he owns in Nashville.

Registered to vote in Sumner County, Carter responded to questions about his residency, but declined to make residency an issue, although he points out that his Democratic opponent has been in the U.S. Marine Corps, living wherever he was posted for 15 years, thereby separating him from an on-going work relationship with Tennessee issues.

Regardless of who wins the nomination, they will face a "career politician" from the GOP where two of the likely nominees are state lawmakers and another has been running a county party, Carter said.

"People are tired of what they see out of Washington," Carter said. "A vote for any Republican candidate is a vote to further divide the country."

He suggests leaders "figure out where we agree and work on those issues and not get distracted."

Carter anticipates that either state Sens. Diane Black or Jim Tracy will be his competition in the November general election.

Without having heard that, Billy Harwell, one of the Brekfus crowd, said, "I just want somebody to get up there and do something."

Harwell also had a word of experience for Carter. Harwell helped a county resident run for office and the experience taught him two things: